The Resurrection of Jesus
-Introduction
-“As empty tomb is there to prove my Savior lives…”
-Last week: changed the topic of the sermon to address the mess in Charlottesville, VA.
-The week prior: the reality, validity & historicity of Jesus’ miracles (& miracles in the early
church). Four source: Jewish leaders, Dr. Luke, outside sources, Judas
-This lesson is intended to be linked to a similar line of thought.
-The Resurrection of Jesus—Integral to Christianity
-John states his case for the deity of Jesus in John 1:1. He then presents evidence to support his
claim—primarily in the form of 7 miracles.
1. water to wine (Jn 2); 2. healing the official’s son (Jn 4); 3. healing the man by the pool (Jn
5); 4. feeding the multitude (Jn 6); 5. walking on water (Jn 6); 6. healing the man born blind
(Jn 9); 7.raising Lazarus (Jn 11).
-John 12-19 focuses on the week of the crucifixion.
-John 20 – As an exclamation mark, John reveals the resurrection of Jesus.
-Then, you find the purpose statement of John following Thomas’ confession – 20:30-31.
-Acts 1:1-3
-Acts 2 – emphasis on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus
-vv. 22-24, 30-33, 36
-Jesus was raised up: on the cross; from the dead; to Heaven in exaltation.
-Acts 3:13-15 – witnesses
-The resurrection of Jesus was firmly established on valid, credible witness testimony.
-1 Cor 15:1-8
-Acts 26:24-26
-The Resurrection and the Jewish Leadership
-Matt 27:62-66 (cf. Mark 15:42)
-Make no mistake about it, Jesus’s predictions were understood—he would be resurrected.
-[Side note: vv. 63-64 (cf. Matt 26:61) – Note discussions regarding the various time
references—3 days, 3 days & nights (Mark 12:40), 3rd day. Clearly, the Jewish leaders
saw these as equivalent.]
-The Jewish leaders didn’t initially understand—John 2:18-22. However, as Jesus spoke
more plainly regarding the subject, the message was well understood. They didn’t believe
Jesus’s prediction (hence “imposter”) but they understood it.
-However, with the resurrection of Jesus, the Jewish leaders had a significant problem—an
empty tomb.
-In addition, there was the testimony of Roman guards of “all” that had taken place.
-Rather than face the facts, the Jewish leaders attempted to hide them—explain them away.
So, they bribed the guards and spread a lie.
-Now think about this for just a moment: The Jewish leaders requested the guard from Pilate
in order to prevent the disciples from taking the body of Jesus. They then turn around and
say…that’s exactly what happened.
-Strictly from the standpoint of logic, how could the disciples sneak in, remove the stone
and take away the body of Jesus without waking the guards?
-Contrast this situation to Acts 12:18-19.
-Also, had the Jewish leaders been able to interrogate the followers of Christ, find the
location of his body and then produce it for the world to see, the concept of his resurrection
would be erased.
-However, they could produce no body and were therefore left with an empty tomb.
-And, logically speaking, why would the apostles and others followers of Christ then go out
into a hostile world (John 15:18-21) and risk/forfeit their lives for a lie?
-They didn’t. Instead, they risked and forfeited their lives for truth—Jesus was
resurrected from the dead.
-“An empty tomb is there to prove my Savior lives…”
-Closing and Invitation
-Yes, the resurrection of Jesus is an integral part of the Gospel message. If you take it away,
Christianity crumbles.
-1 Cor 15:17
-With the resurrection of Jesus, his deeds, teachings, roles and promises are validated.
-He is indeed Lord and Christ.
-He is our Savior.
-He is our hope.
-He has won victory over death and sin and makes it available to you and me.
-1 Cor 15:20, 56-58
-“An empty tomb is there to prove my Savior lives” and we can one day live with him.